Elisa JM Raineri

In vivo testing ESR 4.2

Development of tracers and models for imagining of S. aureus infections and efficacy of novel antibiotics

New antimicrobials need to be subjected to extensive antimicrobial testing, which includes efficacy tests in appropriate small animal models. ESR 4.2 will develop specific in vivo systems where the activity of newly developed antimicrobials can be monitored non-invasively and in real time with the help of near-infrared fluorescent tracers that are either based on existing antibiotics or bacteria-specific monoclonal antibodies. Proof-of-principle for this concept was obtained in studies where implant, soft tissue or skin infections by Staphylococcus aureus, a major human pathogen, were monitored with fluorescently labeled vancomycin or a specific monoclonal antibody (van Oosten et al., Nat. Commun. 2013; 4:2584). By analogy specific tracers that target different groups of pathogens will be developed and tested. The impact of such tracers will be high, as they may ultimately be applicable in the early-stage non-invasive detection of infections in patients.